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Inspirational leadership was the driving factor in a Rotherham nursery scooping an outstanding rating in a recent inspection.

Ofsted inspectors have given Rawmarsh Nursery School their top rating for the second time running following a recent inspection.

The inspectors gave the nursery outstanding in all areas of the inspection – praising the effectiveness of its leadership and management; quality of teaching, learning and assessment; and the good behaviour and welfare of the children.

This comes just three years after a similar inspection also gave them top marks.

Headteacher Peter Gerrard from Rawmarsh Nursery School said: “We are all of course really pleased with this outcome and glad inspectors have recognised the hard work we have put into making the nursery the best it can be.

“We have some excellent staff that all go the extra mile to make this nursery what it is, and I would like to thank them for their hard work in getting us this outstanding Ofsted rating once again.”

In their report inspectors said: “The inspirational leadership team and staff work together effectively to drive continual improvements. They welcome external evaluations of the centre and use rigorous self- evaluation that contributes to outstanding outcomes for all children.”

Adding: “Staff use their exceptional knowledge of children's interests and individual needs to plan an extremely wide range of activities. All those involved in children's learning contribute to extremely accurate assessments. Children make substantial progress from their starting points.”

This report comes just weeks after it was revealed that the Early Years Foundation Stage outcomes for Rotherham schools and settings are some of the best in the country.

From 2013 to 2017 Rotherham has achieved better than nationally for a ‘good level of development’ with an upward trajectory each year. The Council’s average for a ‘good level of development’ has increased by 14.7 per cent from 57.7 per cent in 2013 to 72.1 per cent in 2017.

Cllr Gordon Watson, Rotherham Council’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Children and Young People’s Services at Rotherham Council added: “This is great news for Rawmarsh Nursery School staff and a welcome early Christmas present I am sure.

“We are committed to making sure every child has the best start in life and our recent results in Early Years and this outcome emphasises this commitment in practice.

“Parents should be assured by this news as to get outstanding not once but twice in just three years is really well done, especially in today’s more difficult climate.”